National Trout Memorial – Kalkaska, Michigan - Atlas Obscura
What's near me?

National Trout Memorial

Kalkaska, Michigan

This tremendous trout welcomes visitors to a northern Michigan town with a rich fishing history.  

View all photos
National Trout Memorial. rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
National Trout Memorial. rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Another winter time view of the memorial. rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Hemmingway plack soxnd (Atlas Obscura User)
View from parking lot looking north soxnd (Atlas Obscura User)
With the fountain on soxnd (Atlas Obscura User)
View from parking lot looking north soxnd (Atlas Obscura User)
82
78
Top Places in Michigan
The Bottle House
Kaleva, Michigan
Vanity Ballroom
Detroit, Michigan
Ann Arbor’s Fairy Doors
Ann Arbor, Michigan
 See All

An enormous trout greets travelers in Kalkaska, Michigan. For those folks who have traveled “Up North” for many years, especially since childhood, the memorial is an endearing and welcome sight, as well as reminder that you will soon be arriving at your vacation destination. 

The impressive National Trout Memorial (also known as the Fisherman’s Shrine) was dedicated on April 30, 1966. The brook trout depicted at the center of the memorial is approximately 17 to 18 feet long. The trout is surrounded by a fountain that operates in the warmer weather months and is lit at night.

The roadside memorial is situated in front of the Kalkaska Historical Museum (a former railroad depot) across US 131 from downtown Kalkaska. The northern village is proud of its trout fishing heritage. In addition to proudly displaying the National Trout Memorial, Kalkaska also hosts the National Trout Festival that takes place during the last week of April.

Know Before You Go

The giant trout is located directly adjacent to US 131 (on the east side of the road) in downtown Kalkaska. Parking is available at the adjacent historical museum.

giant animals fishing fish roadside attractions memorials
Nearby
Kalkaska Shoe Tree
3.52 miles
Spirit of the Woods Museum
15.55 miles
Music House Museum
15.92 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Kalkaska, Michigan

Kalkaska Shoe Tree

Michigan’s most famous shoe tree.
Williamsburg, Michigan

Spirit of the Woods Museum

Part taxidermy workshop, part natural history museum this Michigan destination shows off its dead animals and helps you mount your own.
Williamsburg, Michigan

Music House Museum

Full-sized barn houses many restored instruments.
Elk Rapids, Michigan

Talula the Elk Rapids Swan

Talula the swan has been welcoming visitors to Elk Rapids, Michigan, for more than four decades.
Related Places
Tsovagyugh, Armenia

Fish-Selling Mannequins of Tsovagyugh

Men and special assistants stand by the road to sell the day's catch in this lakeside village.
Eufaula, Alabama

Memorial to Leroy Brown

That bass was as bad a fish as any angler ever knew.
New Port Richey, Florida

Pasco County Stilt Houses

These simple structures are living monuments to the fishermen who built this community over a century ago.
Catemaco, Mexico

Estatua del Pescador (The Fisherman's Statue)

This larger-than-life golden statue pays tribute to this town's old and new trades.